DECISIVE Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'decisive' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of decisive are conclusive , definitive , and determinative . While all these words mean "bringing to an end," decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty. // a decisive battle

Q: When is 'conclusive' a more appropriate choice than 'decisive'?

In some situations, the words conclusive and decisive are roughly equivalent. However, conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning. // conclusive evidence

Q: When can 'definitive' be used instead of 'decisive'?

The words definitive and decisive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent. // the definitive biography

Q: When is it sensible to use 'determinative' instead of 'decisive'?

The meanings of determinative and decisive largely overlap; however, determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction. // the determinative factor in the court's decision

decisive

adjective

di-ˈsī-siv

Definition of decisive next

as in resolute

fully committed to achieving a goal only a team with a decisive attitude is going to win a state championship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in conclusive

having the power to persuade a lawyer who knows how to construct the kind of decisive argument that sways a jury

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in definitive

serving to put an end to all debate or questioning the decisive finding of the coroner regarding the cause of death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word decisive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of decisive are conclusive, definitive, and determinative. While all these words mean "bringing to an end," decisive may apply to something that ends a controversy, a contest, or any uncertainty.

a decisive battle

When is conclusive a more appropriate choice than decisive?

In some situations, the words conclusive and decisive are roughly equivalent. However, conclusive applies to reasoning or logical proof that puts an end to debate or questioning.

conclusive evidence

When can definitive be used instead of decisive?

The words definitive and decisive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, definitive applies to what is put forth as final and permanent.

the definitive biography

When is it sensible to use determinative instead of decisive?

The meanings of determinative and decisive largely overlap; however, determinative adds an implication of giving a fixed character or direction.

the determinative factor in the court's decision

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of decisive Trump has used America's decisive military might as an inducement for both sides, threatening to pull pivotal U.S. resources from Ukraine if Zelensky refuses to negotiate, and conversely to increase them significantly if Putin declines. —

Shane Croucher, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024 But Assad’s fall (and Russia’s indifference to the collapse of his regime) suggests that concern for Syria or any other client state has been subjugated by Putin to his overriding focus on dealing Ukraine a decisive defeat. —

Alexander Baunov, Foreign Affairs, 26 Dec. 2024 The decisive goal against Tottenham was almost perfectly ‘Forest’. —

Paul Taylor, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024 Republicans have been blessed with the White House and both chambers in Congress — and Donald Trump’s decisive victory has given them a mandate. —

John Tillman, National Review, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decisive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decisive

Adjective

To protect against the negative impacts of overseas conflicts, firms will need to be agile, changing their strategies and looking for resolute financial solutions to navigate their way out of these choppy waters.

Pushkar Mukewar, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Nevertheless, Phelps remains resolute in his defense of the playoff format, arguing its fairness and noting its creation was heavily influenced by fan preferences.

Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024